Tamil Nadu Train Accident: Signal Mismatch Causes Derailment Near Chennai, 19 Injured

Tiruvallur, 12 October, 2024

Railway Derailment in Tiruvallur District

Tamil Nadu Train Accident occurred in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Saturday when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train. The passenger train was traveling at 75 km per hour when it rammed into the parked goods train, causing 12 coaches to derail and 19 passengers to suffer injuries. The derailment occurred around 40 km from Chennai, causing disruption to over 1,300 passengers on board.

Signal and Route Mismatch Behind the Accident

According to RN Singh, General Manager of Southern Railways, the accident was caused by a “mismatch between signal and route”. He explained that the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express should have been switched to the main line, but due to an error, it was instead directed onto a closed section of the track where the goods train was stationed.

Fault in Track Switching Despite Signal Clearance

Mr. Singh clarified that while the signal was set for the main line, the track switch sent the passenger train to the closed loop. “Something wrong happened,” he said, indicating that a full investigation is needed to determine the exact cause. A high-level inquiry has been ordered, with the Railway Safety Commissioner set to ascertain the reasons for this signal and track mismatch.

Derailment After Heavy Jerk

Officials reported that the passenger train’s crew felt a “heavy jerk” before the train entered the loop line and hit the goods train. The impact led to the engine’s derailment and damage to multiple coaches. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, and the injured passengers are receiving treatment in nearby state-run hospitals.

Restoration and Disruption to Train Services

As rescue operations continue, restoration work at the accident site is expected to last up to 24 hours. This has resulted in the cancellation or diversion of at least 18 scheduled trains. Stranded passengers from the express train were transported to Chennai and later accommodated on a special train to reach their respective destinations.

CM MK Stalin Calls for Swift Rescue Operations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed shock over the accident and urged authorities to speed up rescue efforts. The government has assured that all affected passengers are being taken care of, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.